Xactimate ESX vs Symbility XML: Which Roof Report Format Do You Need?
Xactimate ESX vs Symbility XML: Which Roof Report Format Do You Need?
If you're ordering a roof measurement report, one of the first decisions you'll face is the file format — Xactimate ESX or Symbility XML. Both deliver accurate, aerial-based roof measurements, but they're built for different estimating platforms. Here's how to know which one you need.
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What Is Xactimate ESX?
Xactimate ESX is a roof sketch file format built specifically for Xactimate, the estimating software widely used by insurance adjusters, contractors, and restoration professionals. An ESX file imports directly into Xactimate with the full roof diagram — facets, pitch, ridges, hips, valleys, and eaves — already drawn and measured, so there's no manual sketching required.
Best for:
· Contractors and adjusters who already use Xactimate
· Insurance claims requiring Xactimate-compatible sketches
· Teams that want the roof diagram to import with editable line items
What Is Symbility XML?
Symbility XML is the equivalent format for Symbility Claims Connect, another major estimating platform used heavily in the insurance industry. The XML file imports directly into Symbility, populating facet measurements, pitch data, and linear lengths automatically — just like ESX does for Xactimate.
Best for:
· Contractors and adjusters using Symbility Claims Connect
· Insurance claims processed specifically through Symbility
· Teams needing a 100% Symbility-compatible roof report
Xactimate ESX vs Symbility XML: Key Differences
| Xactimate ESX | Symbility XML | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Xactimate | Symbility Claims Connect |
| File type | .ESX | .XML |
| Common users | Contractors, restoration pros, adjusters | Adjusters, contractors using Symbility |
| Import process | Direct import into Xactimate sketch | Direct import into Symbility diagram |
| Starting price (4hrsreport) | $12 | $15 |
Functionally, both formats deliver the same underlying data — total roof area, per-facet pitch and orientation, ridge/hip/valley/eave lengths, and waste factor. The only real difference is which software the file is built to plug into.
How to Know Which One You Need
Check what your estimating software is — if you or the insurance carrier uses Xactimate, order ESX. If Symbility Claims Connect is the platform, order XML.
Check the insurance carrier's requirement — on claims work, the carrier or TPA often dictates which platform is required.
Not sure? Most roof measurement companies, including 4hrsreport, offer both formats — and can advise which one matches your workflow before you order.
Can You Get Both?
Yes. Since the underlying roof measurement data is the same, many roof measurement services — including 4hrsreport — can deliver both ESX and XML from a single property measurement, so you're covered regardless of which platform a job requires.
Order Xactimate ESX or Symbility XML from 4hrsreport
· ESX — starting at $12, Xactimate-compatible, delivered in as fast as 4 hours
· XML — starting at $15, 100% Symbility-compatible, delivered in as fast as 4 hours
· Both backed by 99.8% accuracy and 24/7 support
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